When someone is injured in a car accident, they are typically faced with medical bills and property damage. Depending on the severity of the injuries, they may also incur other damages including lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering. The best way to receive compensation for damages is through a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. Unfortunately, insurer’s make it as difficult as possible to recover a fair settlement -sometimes outright denying an injury claim – because their priority is protecting the bottom line. If your injury claim has been denied, you may be wondering “why do insurance companies deny injury claims and how can a Bellingham car accident lawyer help?”
If an insurance company has denied your injury claim, contact a Bellingham car accident lawyer for help. The injury attorney can review your case and let you know the true value. If you decide to work together, your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get the maximum settlement.
Why Do Insurance Companies Deny Injury Claims?
Insurance adjusters are looking out for the best interests of their employer, which means minimizing or even denying insurance claim payouts. While there are some legitimate reasons to deny an injury claim, many reasons are wrong. Here are seven common reasons an insurance company may have denied your injury claim:
- The at fault driver’s insurance policy does not cover the type of accident that caused your injury. Some policies have exclusions for certain types of accidents, such as injuries that occur during high-risk activities like street racing or because of acts of nature such as floods or earthquakes.
- The insurance policy was not in effect when the accident occurred. If the policyholder’s insurance lapsed due to non-payment or cancellation before the accident occurred, the insurer will deny the claim.
- You can’t prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. Insurance companies require medical documentation from a licensed physician to link the injury to the accident. Without proof of the link, you can expect the insurer to argue that the injury was unrelated. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a licensed physician after your accident.
- Claim that injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition or prior accident. Insurers will often review the injured party’s medical records and then claim that the injuries were not from the recent accident but were actually caused by a previous medical issue or past injury. Do not sign a medical release until you have spoken with a Bellingham Car Accident Lawyer!
- The at-fault party’s policy limits have been exhausted. Every insurance policy has a maximum payout amount, and if previous claims have already reached this limit, the insurer will not cover additional damages. This is especially common in accidents that involve multiple drivers.
- The person or business who caused the injury is not covered under the terms of the insurance policy. Insurance policies typically list specific covered individuals, and if the at-fault party is not included or is excluded under the policy, coverage will not apply. This could be the case when the at-fault driver is driving for work but is not covered under the company’s insurance policy.
- A significant amount of time elapsed between the accident and medical treatment. If too much time passes before you seek medical care, the insurer may argue that your injuries were minor, unrelated to the accident, or were made worse due to delayed treatment. This is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately or as soon as possible after an accident.
What Do I Do if My Car Insurance Denies an Injury Claim?
If your claim has been undervalued or denied, there are a few things you can do to try and reverse the decision:
- Contact an experienced local car accident lawyer who can review your case and help you:
- Ask for a written explanation of why your claim was denied, including all specific references to the policy provisions that limit liability for the accident or injury.
- Write a letter to the insurance company requesting a review of the denial by a claims supervisor.
- Document all the exchanges you have with the insurance company to show that you have been attempting to settle your claim.
Do not wait too long! Washington State has a three-year statute of limitations on injury claims. If the insurance company does not respond in a timely manner, your personal injury lawyer will review your legal options and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue compensation.
Seek the Help of a Bellingham Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
